Funding Options for 988 Contact Centers
March 5, 2024
This webinar, hosted by Vibrant Emotional Health and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), begins with a national-level overview from NASMHPD on various 988 contact center funding options available. Following the national overview, the webinar takes a deeper dive into how Georgia is leveraging Medicaid’s Administrative Funds as one funding stream to finance 988 contact centers in their state. After hearing from Georgia, the webinar highlights how Washington is braiding funds, such as Medicaid, 988 fee, and state general funds, to support their 988 contact centers. You will also learn how Washington is exploring commercial insurers as another viable funding source for crisis services. The webinar concludes with a Q&A session.
The webinar was moderated by Wendy Farmer, LPC, MBA Regional Vice President, Crisis Center of Excellence, Carelon Behavioral Health, with the following presenters:
- Arlene Stephenson, MAS, NHDP, Senior Advisor, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
- Wendy Tiegreen, MSW, Director, Office of Medicaid and Health Systems Innovation Provider Services, Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
- Teresa Claycamp, Behavioral Health Strategic Advisor, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Washington’s Health Care Authority (HCA)
- Michele Fasano Wilsie, Deputy Section Manager, Rates and Finance, Financial Services, Washington’s Health Care Authority (HCA)
- Jane Beyer, Senior Health Policy Advisor, Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)
Read the Q&A document generated by the discussion here.
988’s Role in Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
September 13, 2023
In this webinar, we explored the factors contributing to crises for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), provided valuable tips for counselors assisting during a crisis, offered recommendations for follow-up care, and emphasized the significance of being aware of the resources provided by local IDD/mental health authorities.
988/Crisis Workforce Challenges
May 10, 2023
We organized a roundtable discussion on workforce challenges, where panelists shared creative and successful strategies they implemented to overcome them. The webinar was moderated by Katherine Polanco, Director, 988 Workforce Management, Vibrant Emotional Health, with panelists:
- Dr. Amy Watson, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Lata Menon, First Choice Services, West Virginia
- Arlene Stephenson, NASMHPD
- Guy Dansie, Utah Dept. of Health and Human Services
- Findley Montgomery, Samaritan, Boston, Massachusetts
Supporting Youth with High Acuity Crisis and Suicidal Needs
January 19, 2023
Vibrant’s PPGA Department and NASMHPD jointly hosted two speakers who provided resources and strategies to help participants better support youth with high acuity crisis and suicidal needs. The speakers also discussed the importance of collaboration and partnerships between state agencies and community organizations.
Gearing up for 2023: Policy & Advocacy Perspectives on 988
December 14, 2022
We convened a speaker panel to explore preparations for the upcoming 2023 legislative session. Participants gained insights into best practices to address their center’s needs. The panelists covered topics such as model 988 legislation, advocacy challenges, successful strategies, and establishing partnerships with state mental health agencies.
How Policy Can Help You!
September 13, 2022
In this webinar, we presented updates on federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives, shared best practices, and discussed other pertinent policy-related information.
